Police warn residents to be wary of burglars posing as utility workers

San Diego police detectives are investigating two residential burglaries that occurred in Clairemont and Mira Mesa on May 8 and May 10 that appear to be related to several other cases from February.

In the first instance, a male knocked on an elderly couple’s door at about 1 p.m. and said he was with the “Water Company,” there to investigate a water leak.

The couple walked the male to their backyard and watched as he tested their faucets. After several minutes, the male thanked the couple and left.

The couple later discovered their house had been burglarized, with the loss being primarily jewelry. It is believed an unseen accomplice burglarized the residence while the couple was with the male.

On May 10 at about 10:30 a.m., a male contacted an elderly Mira Mesa couple with a similar ruse. The couple turned on the faucet in the backyard while the suspect turned on the faucet at the kitchen sink. After a few minutes, the suspect left. The victims did not immediately discover the loss of jewelry, cash and identification documents.

The suspect is described as a well-groomed white or Hispanic male, 25-35 years of age, 5’5” to 5’8”, with an average build, short dark hair, wearing a button-down white shirt and dark pants.

Citizens are cautioned to be wary of such scams and advised, if any unsolicited utility workers request access to their residence or property, to call that utility company and confirm the work prior to allowing access.